"from the Parisii Celtic tribe"
Origin: Celtic
Language: French
Paris
Pronunciation: [ p-EHR-ihs ]
Girl Name
#484 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
The City of Light — named for the world's most romantic city
American
French
Greek
International
Sophisticated
Bold
Glamorous
Classic
Elegant
Meaning & Origin
"Trojan prince"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Things to Know About This Name
- Paris Hilton has been a dominant cultural association since the early 2000s, which some parents find tabloid-linked
- In Greek mythology, Paris started the Trojan War by abducting Helen — carries cautionary mythological resonance
The Story of Paris
Paris has two major origins: the Trojan prince Paris of Greek mythology (son of Priam, whose abduction of Helen started the Trojan War), and the capital of France, whose name comes from the Parisii — a Celtic Gallic tribe who settled on the island in the Seine River around the 3rd century BC. The Parisii's name may relate to 'per' (cauldron) or 'par' (boat) in Gaulish. As a given name, Paris gained traction in America through the 1980s-90s as city names became fashionable.
Paris Hilton dominated pop culture from 2000-2010 and made this name simultaneously glamorous and tabloid-associated. For girls, Paris also received a literary boost from Paris Geller in Gilmore Girls (2000-2007) — an overachieving character whose arc showed the name could belong to someone fiercely ambitious, not just famous.
Paris, France is the City of Light — the world's most visited city and a global capital of art, fashion, food, and romance. Naming a child Paris connects them to this legacy of culture and beauty. The Trojan prince Paris, however, brings mythological depth — his judgment between three goddesses set the stage for one of history's greatest stories.
Fun Facts
- Paris, France hosts the Louvre — the world's most visited art museum — giving the name its associations with beauty and world culture
- Paris Geller of Gilmore Girls (played by Liza Weil) turned the name into a symbol of fierce academic overachievement
- In Greek mythology, Paris's choice between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite — known as the Judgment of Paris — led to the Trojan War
Paris in Other Languages
Greek
Πάρις
French
Paris
Italian
Parigi
Spanish
París
Famous People Named Paris
P
Paris Hilton
Business
1981
American media personality, socialite, DJ, and businesswoman who helped pioneer celebrity culture in the 2000s
P
Paris Geller Fictional
Other
Overachieving character in Gilmore Girls (2000-2007), played by Liza Weil — Rory's academic rival turned best friend
P
Paris (Trojan Prince) Fictional
Other
Trojan prince of Greek mythology whose abduction of Helen triggered the Trojan War — protagonist of the Judgment of Pari...
Trojan prince of Greek mythology whose abduction of Helen triggered the Trojan War — protagonist of the Judgment of Paris
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #484
- Total SSA Count
- 633
- Cultural Origins
- American French Greek International
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Pari
Pairs Well With
Paris Grace
Paris Nicole
Paris Michelle
Paris Ann
Paris Rose
Paris Elise
Paris Renee
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Paris is also used as a boy name, ranked #2566.
View Paris as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Paris
What does the name Paris mean?
"from the Parisii Celtic tribe" (from Celtic). "Trojan prince" (from Greek). Paris has two major origins: the Trojan prince Paris of Greek mythology (son of Priam, whose abduction of Helen started the Trojan War), and the capital of France, whose name comes from the Parisii — a Celtic Gallic tribe who settled on the island in the Seine River around the 3rd century BC. The Parisii's name may relate to 'per' (cauldron) or 'par' (boat) in Gaulish. As a given name, Paris gained traction in America through the 1980s-90s as city names became fashionable.
What is the origin of the name Paris?
Paris has Celtic, Greek, American, French, and International origins. In Celtic, it means "from the Parisii Celtic tribe". In Greek, it means "Trojan prince".
Is Paris a boy or girl name?
Paris is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #484. As a boy name, it is ranked #2566. Paris is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Paris?
Paris is pronounced p-EHR-ihs.
How popular is the name Paris?
Paris is currently ranked #484 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Paris?
Common nicknames for Paris include Pari.
What are good middle names for Paris?
Popular middle name pairings include Paris Grace, Paris Nicole, Paris Michelle, Paris Ann, Paris Rose, Paris Elise, and Paris Renee.
What are good sibling names for Paris?
Names that pair well with Paris as siblings include London, Venice, Milan, Rome, Brooklyn, Cairo, and Vienna.
How many syllables does Paris have?
Paris has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Paris a common or rare name?
Paris is a popular name, ranked #484 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Paris
Paris is a girl name with American, French, Greek, and International origins . The name means "from the Parisii Celtic tribe" in Celtic .
Is Paris a boy or girl name? Paris is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #484 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #2,566. Paris is more commonly used as a girl name.
Paris is currently ranked #484 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Paris has 2 syllables and is pronounced p-EHR-ihs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Paris include Pari. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.